001[music] [clears throat] We're going to call the meeting back to order at 5:06 p.m. At this time, I will ask everyone to stand for the pledge of allegiance and the mission statement. Ice to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all school district. ressive approach to education. We provide an inspiring education that strengthens and prepares our students for unlimited future opportunities. >> At this time, I will administer the oath of office to reelected board members, Mr. Markham and Mr. Sherwood and newly elected board member, Mrs. Berdis. At this time, I'll ask Mr. Sherwood and Mr. Markham to meet me at the podium. I'll ask you both to raise your right hand. Do [clears throat] you solemnly
002swear that you will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Ohio? that you will faithfully and impartially discharge your duties as members of the board of education of the Austin Town Local School District, Mahoney County, Ohio, to the best of your ability and in accordance with the laws now in effect and hereafter to be enacted during your continuence in set office and until your successor is elected and qualified. Congratul Mrs. Berdis, raise your right hand. Do you solemnly swear that you will support the Constitution of the United States in the Constitution of the State of Ohio and that you will faithfully and impartially discharge your duties as members of the Board of Education of the Austin Town Local School District, Mahoneying County, Ohio, to the best of your
003ability and in accordance with the laws now in effect and hereafter to be enacted during your continuence in set office and until your successor is elected and qualified. Congratulations. [clears throat] What? [clears throat] >> I will no now call the role. Mrs. Berdis >> here. >> Mr. Markham >> here. >> Mr. Porter >> here. >> Mr. Sherwood >> here. >> Mrs. Smerek >> here. I'd like a motion to approve the agenda for the organizational meeting for January 13, 2026. >> So moved. >> Second. [snorts] [clears throat] >> Mrs. Smeck, >> yes. >> Mr. Markham, >> yes. >> Mrs. Berdis, >> yes. >> Mr. Porter, >> yes. >> Mr. Sherwood, >> yes. [clears throat] At this time, I would like a motion to approve to open the floor for nominations for the 2026 president of the
004board of education. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Mrs. Smerek. >> Yes. >> Mr. Sherwood. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Berdis. >> Yes. >> Mr. Markham. >> Yes. >> Mr. Porter. >> Yes. I'll nominate Kimra for president. Do I have a second nomination? At this time, I would like to approve a motion to close the floor for nominations for board president. So, so moved. >> Second, Mrs. This is just the This is just for Mr. Sherwood. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Berdis, >> yes. >> Mr. Markham, >> yes. >> Mr. Porter, >> yes. >> At this point in time, I will ask for the vote. The board has nominated Mrs. for board president. When I call your name, signify by yes for an affirmative vote or no for a no vote. Mrs. Berdis, >> yes. >> Mr.
005Markham, >> yes. >> Mr. Porter, >> yes. >> Mr. Mr. Sherwood. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Smack. >> Yes. >> This point in time, I would like to approve a motion to open the floor for a nomination for the 2026 vice president of the Austin Town Local Board of Education. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Mrs. Smerek. >> Yes. >> Mr. Sherwood. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Berdis. >> Yes. >> Mr. Markham. Yes, >> Mr. Porter. >> Yes. >> I would like to nominate Don Sherwood as vice president. >> Do I have any other nominations? This point in time, I'd like to approve the motion to close the floor for nominations for vice president. >> Second. >> Mr. Sherwood? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Smerek? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Bis? >> Yes. >> Mr. Markham? >> Yes. >>
006Mr. Porter? >> Yes. this point in time, the board has nominated Don Sherwood as board vice president. I will call the role yes as an affirmative vote, no as a no vote. Mrs. Berdis, >> yes. >> Mr. Markham, >> yes. >> Mr. Porter, >> yes. >> Mr. Sherwood, >> yes. >> Mrs. Smere, >> yes. this point in time, I will [clears throat] administer the oath of office for the new elected president and vice president. And I will turn the meeting over to the new president. [snorts] Raise your right hand. Do you solemnly swear that you will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Ohio? That you will faithfully and impartially discharge your duty as the president of the Board of Education of the Austintown Local School District, Mahoneying
007County, Ohio, to the best of your ability in accordance with the laws now in effect and hereafter to be enacted during your continuence and set office of calendar year 2026 and until your successor is elected and qualified. >> Congratulations. >> [clears throat] >> Mr. Sherwood, do you solemnly swear that you will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Ohio? that you will faithfully and impartially discharge your duty as the vice president of the board of education of the Austintown Local School District, Mahoney County, Ohio, to the best of your ability and in accordance with the laws now in effect and hereafter to be enacted during your continuence in set office of calendar year 2026 and until your successor is elected and qualified. Approve the recommendation that the board
008use Robert's rules of order as the parliamentary procedure guidelines for meetings of the board and its committees. >> Second, >> Mr. Markham. >> Yes. Mrs. Berdis, >> Mr. Porter, >> Mr. Sherwood, >> yes. >> Mrs. Smeck, >> yes. >> Approve the appointment of one member of the board of education to serve as the legislative liaison with the Ohio board Ohio school boards association. Fred Markham has been appointed. >> So move. >> Second. >> Mr. Sherwood. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Smerek. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Berdis. >> Yes. >> Mr. Markhamm. >> Yes. >> Mr. Porter. >> Yes. >> Approve the appointment of one member of the board of education to serve as the student achievement a liaison with the Ohio schools school boards association. Katie Berdis has been appointed. So moved. >> Second. >> Mrs. Smerek.
009>> Yes. >> Mr. Sherwood. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Berdis. >> Yes. >> Mr. Markham. >> Yes. >> Mr. Porter. Approve the appointment of one member of the board of education to serve as a delegate to the Ohio school boards association capital conference. Don Sherwood has been appointed. So moved. Second. >> Mrs. Smerek. >> Yes. >> Mr. Sherwood. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Berdis. Yes. >> Mr. Markham. >> Mr. Porter. Approve the appointment of one member of the board of education to serve as the alternate delegate to the Ohio school boards association capital conference. Kimmere myself has been appointed. >> So move. >> So or second. >> Mr. Sherwood. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Smerek. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Berdis. Yes. >> Mr. Markham. >> Yes. >> Mr. Porter. Authorize the treasurer to make dispersements for payroll, bonds,
010and accounts payable when due and invest funds within the authority and in accordance with the board adopted investment policy. >> So move >> second. >> Mr. Sherwood, >> yes. >> Mrs. Smeck, >> yes. >> Mrs. Berdis, Mr. Markham, >> yes. >> Mr. reporter. >> The board names the treasurer as records officer on behalf of the board of education and designates the treasurer to be the board design for public records training required. >> Second. >> Mr. Markham, >> yes. >> Mrs. Smere, >> yes. >> Mrs. Berdis, >> yes. >> Mr. Porter, >> Mr. Sherwood, >> yes. >> As recommended by law, establish a service fund in the amount of $4,000. Such funds may be used to make re reimbursements to members of the board for expenses incurred in the performance of duties outside the district. So
011moved. >> Second. >> Mrs. Smerek. >> Yes. >> Mr. Sherwood. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Berdis. Yes. >> Mr. Markham. >> Yes. >> Mr. Porter. >> Yes. Approve the resolution for the board of education to reserve the right of approval for the purchase of certain goods or services including utilities, fuel, and food products in excess of the $15,000 with the provision that in exceptional circumstances circumstances due to board meeting dates. Approval may be granted by the board president or vice president. >> So move. >> Second. >> Mr. Sherwood. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Smeck. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Beris. Mr. Markham, >> Mr. Porter, >> approve the recommendation that travel expenses for board members, superintendent, treasurer, curriculum director, and special education director for OSBA, OASBO, OD, regional chamber of commerce, and other school related professional activities be
012approved through January 1st, 2027. >> So move. >> Second, >> Mr. Sherwood. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Mme. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Berdis. Yes. Mr. Markhamm. >> Yes. >> Mr. Porter. >> Approve the recommendation that compensation for board members at the rates and for the purpose outlined in OC 3313.12 be authorized. So move. >> Mr. Sherwood. >> Yes. >> Mr. Markham. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Bis. >> Yes. >> Mr. Porter. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Smeck. >> Yes. Approve a resolution authorizing the superintendent to temporarily hire staff when vacancies occur between board meetings and to fill vacancies when it becomes necessary pending board approval. So moved. >> Second. >> Mrs. Smerek. >> Yes. >> Mr. Sherwood. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Bis. >> Yes. >> Mr. Markham. >> Mr. Porter. Approve a resolution authorizing the superintendent to accept
013resignations between board meetings. >> So move. >> Second. >> Mrs. Sherwood. Mr. Sherwood. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Mack. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Berdis. >> Mr. Markham. Mr. Porter. Approve the recommendation authorizing the superintendent to file applications for projects and grants considered desirable for the Austin Town Local School District. >> So move. >> Second. >> Mr. Sherwood. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Smerek. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Berdis. >> Yes. >> Mr. Markham. >> Yes. >> Mr. Porter. Upon the recommendation of the superintendent approve retainment on an as needed basis of the following legal council for district needs as follows. >> So move second. >> Mr. Sherwood. >> Yes. >> Mr. Markham. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Berdus. >> Yes. >> Mr. Porter. >> Mrs. Smeck. >> Yes. Approve the recommendation to continue participation in the following state and
014federal grant programs during the 2026 calendar year as listed below. >> So move >> second. >> Mr. Sherwood. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Smerek. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Berdis. >> Yes. >> Mr. Markham. >> Yes. >> Mr. Porter. >> Approve the resolution. Whereas the following 501c3 nonprofit booster organizations and school support groups may operate for the 2026 calendar year effective January 1st, 2026 to December 31st, 2026 and be permitted to use the school's name and district logo as they seek student enrichment and strive to reach educational goals. And whereas the following booster organizations and school support groups shall provide annual financial reports for money that flows in and out of the club coffers. And whereas the Austin Town Board of Education now shall not oversee the financial operations of booster organizations or school support groups. Therefore,
015be it resolved that the following groups be approved in accordance with adopted board policy KMA, relations with booster organizations and the booster organization handbook as follows. >> Second, >> Mr. Markham, >> yes. >> Mrs. Smerek, >> yes. >> Mrs. Berdis, >> yes. >> Mr. Porter, >> Mr. Sherwood, >> yes. Please, you want me to go to the other agenda? >> We have to adjourn this. >> We have to approve a day and >> um Wednesdays. >> We can always change it. >> Approve a day and time and place for regular session meetings at the board of education during the calendar year of 2026, Wednesdays. Is it the third Wednesday? >> Do you want to do the third third Wednesday of every month? >> Second. >> Mr. Sherwood? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Smrak? >> Yes. >>
016Mrs. Berdis? >> Yes. >> Mr. Markham? >> Yes. >> Mr. Porter? >> We can adjourn this one. >> Motion to adjurnn. >> Second. >> Mr. Markham. >> Mrs. Berdis. Mr. Porter. Mr. Sherwood. >> Yes. >> Mrs. SM. >> Yes. >> Recall to order. >> Mrs. Berdis >> here. >> Mr. Markham >> here. >> Mr. Porter >> here. >> Mr. Sherwood >> here. >> Mrs. Smerek >> here. >> Upon the recommendation of the treasurer, approve the agenda for the January 13, 2026 board of education regular session. >> So move. Second, >> Mr. Sherwood. >> Yes. >> Mrs. SM. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Berdis. >> Yes. >> Mr. Markham. >> Yes. >> Mr. Porter. >> Yes. >> Do we have public comments? >> No. Oh, okay. >> No, that's fine. Um, we're going to move on to
017the principal report with um Mr. Scarmarmac with Austin Town Middle School. >> Good evening, everyone. We'll start with Fitch first. We're off to a great start for the new year at Fitch. Our second semester wrapped up last Friday with students starting new second semester classes on Monday. Monday kicked off Start with Hello Week at Fitch. Each year, thousands of schools and youth organizations nationwide participated in Start with Hello Week, a national annual event dedicated to making new social connections and creating a sense of belonging among youth. This year, Fitch Links crew decided to participate with a spirit week. Thank you to all the students as well as Mr. Hubisac and Miss McCutchen. AMS, we are off to a great start after break. This week we have kickoff start with hello week where each day features
018a new positive theme for students to to participate in and promote a welcoming school community. On January 21st, we will hold our honors assembly in the morning to celebrate our students successes from the second quarter. Towards the end of January, we will be wrapping up our boys and girls basketball season with the AAC middle school tournament. Please also mark your calendars for the AMS parent teacher conferences which will be held on February 11th from 3 to 6:00 p.m. Thank you for your continued support and we look forward to an exciting and successful second semester. AIS we have begun the second half of the school year with benchmark testing using Dibbles and I Ready. Report cards will be posted this week for the second nine weeks. Our tutor schedule has been revamped for the second half
019of the year, so we will service more kids and get more one-on-one time. Conferences are coming up on February 11th. And at AES, the beginning of the new year marks the beginning of middle of the assessments and benchmarking in in reading and math. Students are being assessed in dibbles, I ready, and teacher assessments. Intervention and enrichment groups will be adjusted and will start fresh at the end of the month. The second grading period ends soon in report cards will be going home in a few weeks and the winter parent teacher conferences is scheduled for February 5th. Any questions? >> No. >> Thank you very much. >> Department report. Alex Alexis Weber with the food service and wellness policy update. >> Good evening. Uh so since I only come like once a year to give you
020an update, I do have to give you a few updates about last year as well. Um so we did host uh the Ohio Department of Education for administrative review, a procurement review, and resource management review last year. Um and we had Mr. Scott Lindberg here in our district and he found that our meal programs are in full compliance with all the federal regulations and we were described as a model nut school nutrition program in the state of Ohio. In fact, he took our handbook back to use as an example. Um to give you a C update, students and families are very much enjoying and taking advantage of our free meals program. On average, we are serving about 460 more lunches per school day than we did before we started the program last year. Um, for
021the wellness policy update, each year we evaluate the wellness policy and I post the results of the wellness policy evaluation on our website. So, they are there for you to see. Now, um we also though this year we have to hold a triannual assessment meeting for the wellness policy which is open to the public. The meeting will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 28th and more information will be posted on the website. Looking ahead, we started doing some food celebrations and holidays um in all of our kitchens. So, in January, we're going to celebrate National Croissant Day with a chocolate fil croissant. um National Pizza Day in February and we're going to do um National Cheesecake Day in March. Those are always a fun fun event to have for the kids. Our annual
022spring senior citizens dinner will take place on Wednesday, April 22nd, and that will again, as usual, be at Fitch High School. We also are a part of a giving back program. For every 10 Smartmouth pizzas that we serve at Fitch High School, the brand that we use, Bullseye Brand Company, donates a meal to children in need. So, since we took on the Smartmouth pizza last year, we as a district have donated 3,438 meals to children in need and we have served over three 34,000 pizzas. Um, some people have asked some questions about the um, new USDA food policy. Um, the USDA food and nutrition services unveiled if you saw the some historic nutrition policy updates last week. This information is really geared towards the general population of the United States. Um, but in the future
023it could impact child nutrition programs and I'll be obviously keeping up on that and give you any updates if there are any impacts. >> Thank you. Thanks, Alexis. >> Treasurers consent items. Upon the recommendation of the treasurer, approve the following items A through D by consent action. >> So move >> second. [clears throat] >> Mr. Sherwood, >> yes. >> Mr. Markham, >> yes. >> Mrs. Berdus, >> yes. >> Mr. Porter, >> yes. >> Mrs. Smerek, >> yes. Superintendent's consent items. Upon the recommendation of the superintendent, approve the following items A through D by consent action. >> Mr. Sherwood, >> yes. >> Mr. Markham, >> yes. >> Mrs. Bis, >> yes. >> Mr. Porter, >> yes. >> Mrs. Smeck, >> yes. >> Upon the recommendation of the superintendent, approve the following resolution regarding the third grade
024testing on paper format. Whereas Ohio re revised code section 3301.0711 0711 G4 states beginning with the 2019 2020 school year a school district other public school or chartered non-public school may administer the third grade English language language arts or mathematic mathematic mathematics assessment or both in a paper format in any school year for which the district board of education or school governing body adopts a resolution indicating ating that the district or school chooses to administer the assessment in a paper format. The board or governor body shall submit a copy of the resolution to the department of education not later than the first day of May prior to the school year for which it will apply. If the res resolution is submitted, the district or school shall administer the assessment in a paper format to all
025students in the third grade except that any student whose individ individualized education program or plan developed under section 504 of the rehabilitation act of 1973 87 statute 33 35529 USC 7794 as amended. and it specifies that taking the assessment in an online format is an appropriate accommodation for the student may take the assessment in an online format. And whereas a school dis a district board of education or governing authority must make the choice to use paper tests and submit a board or governing authority resolution by May 1st, 2026. Now therefore, be it resolved, the board hereby confirms Austin Town local school district will administer the third grade English language arts assessment in a paper format to all students in the third grade except that any student whose individualized education program or plan developed under section
026504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, specifies that taking an assessment in an online format is an appropriate accommodation for the student may take the assessment in an online format for the 202627 school year. >> So move >> second. >> Mr. Sherwood, >> yes. >> Mrs. Smeck, >> yes. >> Mrs. Berdis, >> yes. >> Mr. Markham, >> Mr. Porter, >> yes. [clears throat] Upon the recommendation of the superintendent, approve the proposal from unique therapy services to assign three dedicated registered behavioral technicians to provide daily support within three designated kindergarten classrooms during the service period January 5th, 2026 through May 22nd, 2026. >> So move >> second. [clears throat] >> Mr. Sherwood, >> yes. >> Mrs. Smeck, >> yes. >> Mrs. Berdis. >> Yes. >> Mr. Markham. >> Yes. >> Mr. Porter. >> Yes.
027>> Upon the recommendation of the superintendent, approve the following agreement by and between the Mahoning County Board of Commissioners for the Mahoning County Solid Waste Management District here and after district and Austintown local school district here and after school as follows below. >> So move. >> Second. >> Mr. Sherwood. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Smme. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Berdus. >> Yes. >> Mr. Markham. >> Yes. >> Mr. Porter. >> Yes. >> Upon the recommendation of the superintendent, approve the memorandum of understanding by and between Youngstown State University and Austintown Local School District to participate in the College Credit Plus program with Youngsttown State University. This agreement is in effect from July 1st, 2026 to June 30th, 2027. Thisou will shall expire on June 30th, 2027. So moved. >> Second. >> Mr. Markham. >> Yes. >>
028Mrs. Smerek. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Bis. >> Yes. >> Mr. Porter. >> Mr. Sherwood. >> Yes. >> Upon the recommendation of the superintendent, approve the memorandum of understanding by and between Kent State University and Austin Town School District to participate in the college credit plus program with Kent State University. This agreement is in effect from July 1st, 2026 to June 30th, 2027. Thisou shall expire on June 30th, 2027. So moved. >> Second. >> Mrs. Smere, >> yes. >> Mr. Markham, >> yes. >> Mrs. Berdis, >> yes. >> Mr. Porter, >> Mr. Sherwood, >> yes. [clears throat] Approve the recommendation to direct the superintendent to notify notify the Ohio Department of Education that the Austin Town local school district will again be an open enrollment district in the 2026 2027 school year. >> So move >>
029second. >> Mr. Sherwood, >> yes. >> Mrs. Smerek, >> yes. >> Mrs. Berdis, >> yes. >> Mr. Porter, >> no. Mr. Markham, sorry about this. >> Public meeting for February 2026 will be Wednesday, February 18th at the board of education office starting at 5:00 PM followed with regular session here at the AMS cafeteria. >> So moved. >> Second, >> Mr. Sherwood. Yes, >> Mrs. Smerek. >> Yes, >> Mrs. Berdis. >> Yes, >> Mr. Markham. >> Yes, >> Mr. Porter. >> Treasurer comments. Superintendent comments. >> Just briefly, I just want to uh congratulate Mr. Andrew Bakus for his his retirement and his 27 years of dedication to the town local school district. I've known Mr. Vegas for over 20 years and I'd like to congratulate him personally and professionally. He's done a great great job uh
030for the Austin Town local schools and I want to wish uh the best wishes to Miss Monica Paulen job position and I wish her best another dedicated uh valued employee that we will miss. Good luck. I also would like to congratulate Miss Bertis. Congratulations. >> Uh yeah, I just like to make a public thank you to the community for allowing me to serve in this position. Um and then to the board, superintendent and treasurer for a smooth transition and very welcoming. Thank you, >> Fred. >> Want to congratulate Katie. welcome you to the board. >> I'll echo that. >> Congratulations. Just kidding about that, >> but I wish you all the best. We'll have a good run. >> I again want to congratulate Katie and welcome her to the board. I think she's going to
031be a great asset to our board. Um I also want to congratulate Mr. Bakus on his retirement. Um you know, I think all three of my children had him. He he he will also be missed. I also want to welcome everybody back from the holidays and hopefully we finish the second half of the year strong. Thank you for um the board and your confidence in me and electing me president. That's it. Thank you. >> Motion to adjurnn. >> So move >> second. >> Mr. Sherwood. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Smerek. >> Yes. [clears throat] >> Mrs. Berdis. >> Yes. >> Mr. Markham. >> Yes. >> Mr. Reporter.